Adherence to implementing physical distancing and other COVID-19 preventive measures and its barriers among adults in Arba Minch town, Southwest Ethiopia: a lesson learned from the pandemic
2024

COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Sample size: 459 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wegayehu Teklu, Yohannes Tsegaye, Churko Chuchu, Bekele Alemayehu, Asfaw Mekuria Asnakew

Primary Institution: Arba Minch University

Hypothesis

What are the barriers to implementing COVID-19 preventive measures among adults in Arba Minch town?

Conclusion

The study found inadequate adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among adults in Arba Minch, highlighting significant barriers such as poverty and distrust of government.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only 43.6% of participants achieved above the mean score on adherence to preventive measures.
  • 29.8% of participants maintained physical distancing.
  • 37.7% reported using face masks.
  • Barriers included poverty, distrust of government, and socio-cultural influences.

Takeaway

Many people in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, didn't follow COVID-19 safety rules like wearing masks or staying apart, mostly because they are poor and don't trust the government.

Methodology

A community-based cross-sectional survey and qualitative study were conducted using questionnaires and key informant interviews.

Potential Biases

Participants may have reported better adherence to preventive measures than actually practiced.

Limitations

Findings rely on self-reported practices, which may lead to social desirability bias.

Participant Demographics

The study included 459 adults, with a higher proportion of males (56.4%) than females (43.6%).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0315204

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication